Operations Excellence Lead - Food Processing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Training and career development

Relocation assistance

Employee wellness programs

Access to cutting-edge tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Excellence Lead based in Bloemfontein, SA, to drive lean and Six Sigma programs across a premier food processing organization.

You will lead cross-functional teams, shape improvement strategies, and develop training to build internal capabilities in continuous improvement tools and methodologies. A strong background in GMP and food safety is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or related field.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• 6+ years in operations management with Lean/Six Sigma focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of operational excellence programs and strategies across all plant functions.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement to drive efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, waste elimination, and performance enhancement through data analysis and plant assessments.
• Develop and facilitate training programs to build internal capabilities in continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Manage cross-functional project teams to execute improvement initiatives, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to operational performance, reporting results to senior management.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits to ensure adherence to best practices and identify areas for further development.
• Facilitate problem-solving sessions and root-cause analysis for operational challenges.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, and continuous learning across the organization.
• Collaborate with site leadership to integrate operational excellence into daily operations and strategic planning in Bloemfontein.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Change management

Leadership

Facilitation/Training

Project management

GMP knowledge

Minitab

Excel

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering / Operations Management

Tools

Minitab

MS Excel

PM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier food processing company with a strong presence in the South African market, is seeking a proactive and strategically minded Operations Excellence Lead. This pivotal role, based in Bloemfontein, Free State , will drive the implementation and continuous improvement of operational excellence initiatives across the organization. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture of efficiency, waste reduction, and quality enhancement by leveraging methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other best practices. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of food processing operations, a passion for continuous improvement, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to shape operational strategies and drive significant positive change within a leading food producer located in the heart of the Free State . If you are dedicated to optimizing processes and achieving peak operational performance, this role is an excellent fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of operational excellence programs and strategies across all plant functions.
• Champion the application of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, waste elimination, and performance enhancement through data analysis and plant assessments.
• Develop and facilitate training programs to build internal capabilities in continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Manage cross-functional project teams to execute improvement initiatives, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational performance, tracking progress and reporting results to senior management.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits to ensure adherence to best practices and identify areas for further development.
• Facilitate problem-solving sessions and root cause analysis for operational challenges.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, and continuous learning throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with site leadership to integrate operational excellence principles into daily operations and strategic planning in Bloemfontein .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management, process improvement, or a related role, with a significant focus on Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven experience successfully leading and implementing continuous improvement projects in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food processing.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, GMP, and food safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex operational data and translate insights into actionable improvement plans.
• Exceptional facilitation, training, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and change management capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel) and project management software.
• Ability to travel within the region as needed.
• Experience within the Free State 's industrial sector is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and company-sponsored training programs.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on innovation.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Bloemfontein .
• Employee wellness programs and benefits.
• Access to cutting-edge operational improvement tools and methodologies.